Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought...

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought to clear acne primarily through its ability to permanently reduce skin oil (sebum) production.

Isotretinoin is available in capsule form and is usually taken twice a day. Your physician will prescribe an initial dose, and this dose may increase or decrease depending on the response to treatment and side effects.

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August 16, 2008

Pros:

Slowly and steadily clearing Acne (1 week in) :) Any spots i do get dry up and essentially fall off :s Free on prescription (under 18!)

Cons:

Red Face, Dry Peeling Skin, Dry Lips

Working so far!
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August 16, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up very well. Hardly broke out while I was on it. Effects seem to last. I had no initial breakout (though some do). Better than anything I had ever used. Simple to take a pill everyday.

Cons:

Acne came back (though much milder) a year later (for some it doesnt). Does not help much for red marks. Cannot use any other treatments (peels or topicals) while on it. Lots of potential side effects. Can be expensive. Not easy to be prescribed.

Basically, this drug stops your oil production so that you do not get acne. At one point on it I did not breakout at all for months. This effect is supposed to be permanent but for some people a milder form of acne recurs some time later. This medicine requires lots of blood tests, birth control, and pregnancy tests and surveys. You have to got through the iPledge program which can be a pain. Without insurance you will spend thousands on this treatment at the end of it all. While on Accutane, there are many side effects. Some experience an onslaught of side effects and elect to stop and most experience at least some of the common side effects. Common side effects include dryness of skin, dry eyes, chapped lips, joint pain, back pain, sensitivity of skin, and a slight reddening of skin. Other side effects include blurred vision, headaches, hair loss, depression, and high triglycerides. You cannot go on this while pregnant. Despite it all, it can work wonders when used properly.
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August 16, 2008

Pros:

Isotretinoin is the only thing that seemed to work. After about 10 days blackheads started to dry out and diminish. 40mg a day and no harsh side effects.

Cons:

Pretty disappointing that I found a treatment that finally works, but can't complete it due my sensitive liver. Had dry lips,scalp,arms, mild headaches, and loss of appetite. Nothing too intolerable.

I was on it for a month before liver enzyme tests came back extremely abnormal. According to clinical trials, 10-15% subjects had abnormally elevated liver enzymes and had to discontinue the treatment. Never had an initial breakout, or any severe side-effect(including depression). Honestly, this treatment is worth a try. I tried everything before I started, and sadly this is the only thing that worked for me...
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August 16, 2008

Pros:

I've had very terrible acne since about 5th grade[I'm a senior now] and I took accutane for 5 months and my skin is super clear. A lot of my scars are less red too. The only side effect I hd was chapped lips. I love Accutane and it is worth it!

Cons:

Chapped lips, blood tests every month

This is the only thing that has had my skin this clear. Amazing.
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August 15, 2008

Pros:

There are absolutely no pros about this medication. I kid you not. I thought that I would be one of the people who only had pros... I was wrong... and should have went with my gut instinct not to start it!

Cons:

Severe headache, dizziness, horrible stomach burn, nausea, trouble breathing, felt like something was in my throat, couldn't swallow, sore ribs, you name it... I more than likely had it.

I've had cystic acne on and off since 10th grade. I'm now currently a senior in college. I took this drug for ONLY one week and had this severe reaction to it. I have not been the same ever since. It's been 5 months since I stopped taking it. I've been trying very hard to overcome all this, the only trouble I have left is the feeling of something being in my throat, and I occasionally suffer from panic attacks.I sometimes have trouble walking around a lot. I feel like the blood is rushing to my head. This medicine is NOT worth it. I'm a nursing student and I've talked to multiple doctors who told me after I took it that it was the worst drug for your body. It does more harm than good. Please take my advice and DO NOT use it. There are other options out there available. Believe me, I've tried EVERYTHING imaginable to try and rid myself of acne. Birth control like Yaz has done wonders for me. So I do recommend the birth control at least.
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August 15, 2008

Pros:

works really good, its the only thing that got ridof my acne

Cons:

2 yrs later it came back

recommended
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August 14, 2008

Pros:

Hopefully it will clear my skin?

Cons:

Dry skin

I've been taking accutane for almost a month now. The first week I started taking 30mg a day and then by the second week my doctor told me to take 60mg a day. So I'm two days away from being on this for a month and feel so frusturated. I'm breaking out worse than I have ever broken out in my life! Is there hope for me?
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

It does as promised, clear skin and no oil!

Cons:

Dry lips (chap stick easily remedies this)
and... not everyone experiences depression, but i did (having zero history of psychological issues) and that was really unpleasant. So just beware. I still don't regret it.

If you want to finally, clear your skin, no gimmicks, no false promises...... Accutane will do it. Be patient and hang in there!
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of acne -- for most part.

Cons:

Extremely dry lips. I wear contacts so I got dry eyes somtimes as well. Can't drink alcohol. Still get decent amount of facial acne.

Stuff is great. I had horrible acne on my back and shoulders -- whiteheads all over. I had some pretty bad acne on my face as well. I took acutane and it was great. I have no more bacne or acne anywhere except face. I didn't get any of those crazy side effects. The only problem is that I still get acne on my face a decent amount. Most of that is from laziness though, as I don't follow the greatest cream treatment (SA-BP). When I do though, I hardly get anything. I totally reccommed this product as long as your healthy (not depressed). I don't know where I would be without it.
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

It cleared some of my acne.

Cons:

So many I don't even know where to start. First of all it didn't clear up any of my cysts. But it made me feel so sick and depressed. My lips were so dry, cracked, and sore. It ruined my vision so now I have to wear glasses.

This drug helps a lot of people, but I feel like it did more harm than help to me. I feel this way because the majority of my acne was cystic, and accutane didnt help that, and it was extremely frustrating. Eventually, coupled with prednizone, it started to clear my face. Now 6 months after I've been off of it, my acne is BACK. Acne is ridiculous, I hate it, God bless anyone else dealing wit a severe case.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website